A truck is always made more handsome by stripping it down to the bare bones and leaving only what makes it useful. Who needs windows? Who needs a hardtop? Who needs cup holders and heated seats? That said, this 1966 Toyota FJ45 roadster pickup has to be one of the more handsome trucks we’ve come across in recent memory, restored to stock but not overrestored and loaded down with creature comforts. From the seller’s description:

After a relatively easy life in a warm, dry climate, this 1966 Toyota FJ40 roadster pickup was given a comprehensive restoration just over 600 miles ago, and presents in outstanding, ready-to-use condition in every way. Sitting on a longer 116-inch wheelbase, it offers a spacious bed and open-air motoring that’s reminiscent of roadster pickups of the past. The FJ’s unique look makes it instantly recognizable, but even fans of these wonderful machines do a double-take when they see this unusual pickup. The paint is a correct-looking turquoise green that seems to suit its adventurous nature, and combined with the tan canvas top and doors, gives the impression of a fully-equipped expedition ready to depart. Bodywork is in excellent condition with no replacement panels or obvious signs of patching, and the paint has a soft shine that looks right on a vintage truck. Details like the white grille, windshield vent, and the simple bumpers add to its do-anything appearance, and it includes accessory fog lamps and a bed that’s big enough to be useful at Home Depot this weekend.

The Spartan interior covers just the basics to get across rugged terrain, including freshly upholstered bucket seats. The new tan vinyl seat covers are correctly pleated and there’s fresh foam underneath, so it’s easy to get comfortable behind the big steering wheel. The floors are bare steel with rubber mats, so after a day of playing in the dirt it’s easy to clean out, and the controls are simple and intuitive in Toyota style. You’ll also dig the folding windscreen for the full in-your-face experience, and the new tan canvas top folds easily.

The 237 cubic inch inline-six was the same engine that powered Toyota trucks for decades, evolving well into the ’80s with fuel injection and ever-increasing displacement. It spins to life easily and has an expensive-sounding mechanical whir that suggests precision machinery at work. The engine bay is complete and unmodified, a rarity among these trucks, and still inhales through its original carburetor and heavy-duty air cleaner. Underneath, it’s solid and rust-free, finished for off-road purposes so it’s not shiny but rather purposeful and durable. Original 15-inch steel wheels have been painted white and wear correct “dog dish” hubcaps and a set of modest blackwall radials.

Something different here. I’ve only seen ONE of these before, and that was somewhere in Washington, in 1966. In fact that was about the first time I saw a Toyota. PERIOD. I thought that it looked strange then. It actually looks appealing now.

The diesels were not transplanted. Toyota offers a lot of diesel models not available in the US. That isn’t a horrible price on a what is one of the most sought after US model Land Cruisers. Vintage Cruisers are still appreciating.